What inspired you to go abroad?
I had wanted to go abroad for my entire undergraduate career, and simply have wanderlust and a love for exploring. Spring of Junior year ended up being the perfect time to go abroad, so I did my applications and prepared to go learn and grow while living in another place.
Here’s a lovely view of the city of Vienna, from the hill behind the Schonbrunn Palace!
Why did you choose IES Abroad?
I initially chose IES due to the popularity of the organization at my university, as well as the amount of locations that IES hosts programs in. After looking through the locations that IES offered, I chose Vienna for the art, music, and culture, as well as the connection of the city to the field of psychology. Vienna has a lot of beauty, culture, and art/music, and has huge connections in both the past and the present of psychology. It ended up being the perfect city.
What was your favorite part about Vienna?
I love so so many things about Vienna, but most of all, I love the environment of the city. Vienna is a wonderful balance of chaos and calm; there are a lot of people in the city, but there are also moments of peace and a lot of beauty. Vienna is a mix of so many different things: calm and chaotic, modern and classic, warm and cold, natural and urban, intellectual and creative. I loved being in the city, and also who I was when I was there. There are so many things that evoke wonder and excitement for me, things and experiences large and small.
What made your experience abroad unique?
My experience abroad was made unique due to the people I was in the program with. Those attending IES Vienna were a huge group of people from all over the US. It took me time, but I connected with a group of absolutely amazing people that made my experience so spectacular.
Some friends and I attended a traditional Viennese Ball at the Hofburg Imperial Palace.
How did local staff support you throughout your program?
The staff at the IES Vienna Center was absolutely wonderful. They helped me and other students with city transportation, housing, local tips, health, homesickness and emotional health, and so many other concerns. All of the staff members were very kind, caring, knowledgeable, and genuine. They definitely made the transition to Vienna much easier.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently?
If I were to redo last semester, the only thing that I would have done differently is that I would have booked my return plane ticket later than I did. I regret not staying late after the program ended to travel and explore a bit more.
Describe a typical day in the life of your program.
A typical day at IES Vienna begins with a commute via tram or Metro from housing to the Center (this commute can be anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes, depending on the particular housing option).
The first course of the day is a morning German course for an hour and a half, followed by lunch break (where you should go grab coffee and a pastry from a cafe or a sausage from a Wurstelstand), and then another class or two (depending on the day).
After your classes are finished for the day, you can go explore the city, go shopping for groceries or souvenirs, cook and eat dinner, complete homework, or hang out with friends. There's something different that you can do literally every day.
Some of the greatest nights I had in Vienna consisted of just spending time with friends around the Fizz. We had a few lovely paint nights over the course of the semester.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time?
I enjoyed hanging out with my friends, painting, meditating, and exploring. I did a lot of exploring around the city of Vienna. I went to a bunch of different cafes and shops, walked through parks and along the Danube River, and just saw where I ended up. Many things were within walking distance, and those that were not were easily accessible with the amazing public transportation system.
What was your accommodation like? What did you like best about it?
I stayed in The Fizz Vienna, an apartment complex with single studio apartments. This accommodation was new in the Spring of 2018, and is a truly great place to live. I had my own apartment, but lived right near 40 other IES students, as well as a bunch of native Austrian students.
It was really easy to meet and get to know people, thanks to living so close to and sharing great common spaces with all of these people. In addition, the Fizz building is absolutely stunning and modern, and the staff is lovely too. The one downfall is the distance from the Center—I had a 45 minute commute each way—but I came to enjoy my long rides each day.
What is one thing every participant should know before participating in your program?
I honestly don't have anything that I think people should know before participating in IES Vienna. I myself did not do a ton of research before going, and I had an amazing experience anyway. But definitely know that it's okay if your study abroad experience is not the most amazing experience of your entire life. Try not to put all of the pressure on yourself and the experience, and just live it for what it is.
We did a lot of exploring during the semester, and found some beautiful works of art--including this one along the Danube Canal!
Now that you're home, how has your program abroad impacted your life?
Being back home, I definitely miss Austria, my experience of last semester, and the people that I met. However, despite the nostalgia that I hold, there are so many changes that I see in myself thanks to my semester abroad. Being semi-independent in a different country really strengthened my confidence, self, and identity, as well as my career and academic goals.
The experience also evoked a strong sense of wanderlust in me, one that I use as a positive coping mechanism for stress. Since going to Vienna, I've gotten out of my comfort zone a lot more, and gone on some smaller adventures.
Would you recommend IES to others? Why?
I would recommend the IES institution to others, due to how caring and helpful all of the staff is. I would ABSOLUTELY recommend the IES Vienna program to all. The city is beautiful and full of culture, the staff is really caring and great at recommending local things to do, the people are so unique, interesting, and fun, and the academics are great as well.
